Who decides the ball size, pitch length and stumps for a junior match?
Rule- England
- Wales
- MCC Laws of Cricket
- ECB
- ECB Safety Regulations
- Junior cricket
- Under 9-Under 18
- 2026
- Umpires
The Laws leave these to the governing body (the ECB in England and Wales) and the competition:
- Pitch length for junior cricket is set by the governing body (Law 6.6).
- Stumps and bails for junior cricket are set by the governing body (Law 8.4).
- Ball size is set by the governing body responsible for the match; if it hasn't decided, the umpires decide before the toss (Laws 4.6 and 2.3).
The 2026 Laws define three ball sizes (Law 4.1), new ball weights:
| Size | Weight | Circumference |
|---|---|---|
| Size 1 | 5.5 to 5.75 oz (156 to 163 g) | 8.81 to 9 in (22.4 to 22.9 cm) |
| Size 2 | 5 to 5.25 oz (142 to 149 g) | 8.46 to 8.66 in (21.5 to 22 cm) |
| Size 3 | 4.69 to 4.84 oz (133 to 140 g) | 8.07 to 8.27 in (20.5 to 21 cm) |
The ECB's recommended formats use a 4¾ oz ball (Size 3) for Under 10 to Under 13, then 5 oz for girls from Under 14 and 5½ oz for boys from Under 14 (5 oz in the ECB U14 County Cup). Pitches go from 15 yards at Under 9 to 22 yards at Under 15 (boys) and Under 17 (girls). For example, the ECB's 2026 Under 13 Club T20 used a 19-yard pitch, a 4¾ oz ball and stumps 27 inches high by 8 inches wide.
All balls are under the umpires' control from before the toss (Law 4.2).
Added 21 Oct 2026